Clarens 20km Scenic Route
The Clarens 20km Scenic Route extends beyond the village loop into the broader sandstone mountain landscape surrounding the town. At 20km with more climbing and wider panoramas, it’s the natural step-up for riders who’ve done the 10km loop and want to explore further into the spectacular eastern Free State terrain.
What to Expect
The route pushes further into the Rooiberge and surrounding hills, with longer singletrack sections, gravel farm road connections and increasingly expansive views. The characteristic golden sandstone cliffs of the Clarens area are the visual constant — the light on these formations in late afternoon is extraordinary. Climbs are moderate and the descents are flowing and satisfying.
What Makes Clarens Special
The eastern Free State sandstone landscape is unique in South Africa — warm orange and gold rock formations, alpine-style mountain scenery and clear, pollution-free skies create riding conditions and backdrops that compete with any destination in the country.
Getting There
Start in Clarens village. GPS: -28.5256, 28.4312.
n
🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →
More Trails in Free State
9 trailsSenekal Farm Roads Loop
35km intermediate farm roads loop from Senekal through the maize and sunflower farms of the eastern…
Bethlehem Backroads
45km intermediate gravel backroads loop from Bethlehem town through the eastern Free State countryside — sandstone…
Trompsburg Karoo Loop
40km intermediate Karoo gravel loop from Trompsburg in the southern Free State — semi-arid landscape, sparse…
Ficksburg Sandstone Challenge
45km advanced sandstone mountain loop from Ficksburg — technical singletrack over dramatic red and orange sandstone…
Winburg Voortrekker Loop
33km intermediate Voortrekker gravel loop from Winburg — one of the oldest towns in South Africa,…
Vrede Wetlands Loop
22km intermediate wetland loop from Vrede through the vleis and wetlands of the northeastern Free State…
Mangaung Meander
20km easy urban meander through Mangaung's parks, green corridors and heritage areas in Bloemfontein — a…
Petrus Steyn Farmland Loop
38km intermediate Highveld farmland loop from Petrus Steyn — gravel farm roads through the productive maize…
Soetdoring Nature Reserve Loop
20km intermediate MTB loop through Soetdoring Nature Reserve near Bloemfontein — game-viewing singletrack through semi-arid Karoo-edge…
